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AAPT Opportunities

Current Positions:

1. U.S. Physics Team Academic Director

U.S. Physics Team Academic Director

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) seeks applications for the position of U.S. Physics Team Academic Director. We are seeking someone who will lead the preparation of 20 to 24 gifted U.S. high school students for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The director has the opportunity to lead a program with a remarkable history, as well as adapt the program in response to national imperatives for fostering physics talent, particularly within historically underrepresented populations. The director provides general oversight of the U.S. competition including recruiting and training team coaches, preparing and grading exams, training of the U.S. Physics Team during training camp, and traveling with the Team to the IPhO.

Qualifications for the Physics Team Academic Director:

A background in physics with classroom and laboratory experience, demonstrated involvement with students in special projects or activities, and an appreciation of the physics culture of problem-solving and experimental investigation;

A record of managing complex tasks and improving processes through innovation;

Ability to carry out responsibilities throughout the year;

Be available to oversee the training camp held at the University of Maryland, usually during late May and early June, and lead the Team to the IPhO in July, and

Ability to work as part of a team to support the program as well as develop relationships with teachers, parents, and corporate sponsors.

From 1986 to 2016, the United States Teams have brought home: 58 Gold Medals, 41 Silver Medals, 29 Bronze Medals, and 11 Honorable Mentions. See http://aapt.org/physicsteam/2017/ for details about the program. The hours are long but the sense of accomplishment is gigantic! Applicants must be prepared to make at least a three-year commitment. AAPT pays an honorarium and most expenses associated with the training camp and the IPhO.

To apply, please provide the following:

A statement of interest addressing how you meet the qualifications

A current c.v. that includes the names and contact information for two references (preferably AAPT members)

Send materials to eo@aapt.org with “Application for U.S. Physics Team Academic Director” in the subject line. The position will be open and applications accepted until filled. Letters of recommendation from your two references in support of your applications will only be solicited from short listed candidates. We anticipate that the individual selected will serve as co-director during the transition year and then become director the following year. For more information, contact Paul Stanley, U.S. Physics Team Academic Director, via email at stanleyp@beloit.edu or Beth Cunningham, AAPT Executive Officer, via email at eo@aapt.org.